Get Involved

HELLO FILM LOVERS!

Due to the Covid -19 pandemic, THE 2020 CHICAGOLAND HIGH SCHOOL FILM FESTIVAL WILL BE RE-SCHEDULED FOR A LATER DATE. We will update this website when we have more information. STAY TUNED.

The 2020 Chicagoland High School Film Festival will be held at the Latin School of Chicago’s Wrigley Theatre (59 W. North Blvd), on  Friday, May 15th, at 7:30 p.m.  Created by and for Latin School students in 2002 as Zwinglifest, the event has since expanded to include students from both public and private schools, giving young filmmakers the opportunity to share their expressive voice while gaining insight from an expert panel of some of the best in the business.  This is an opportunity for student filmmakers to come together, collaborate, and share what they love: film.

GET INVOLVED!

Become a part of the 2020 Chicagoland High School Film Festival!

To submit your film:

  • Export your video as a QuickTime file. Minimum video length 1 minute, maximum length 20 minutes. Standard Definition/SD (720 x 480 pixels) NTSC (30fps not 24p)
  • Use Dropbox or Google Drive to send a link of your video to filmfestival@latinschool.org.
  • Download the application form and simply email the completed forms to filmfestival@latinschool.org. (Or, if you prefer, you may also mail the forms to Latin School of Chicago, 59 W. North Blvd., Chicago, IL 60610.
  • Videos must be submitted by Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020. Videos will not be viewed until the form has been received.
  • All films are previewed and judged by a group of Latin School faculty and students.* A limited number of entries will be selected as finalists and reviewed the night of the festival by our esteemed panel of judges–all current professionals in the industry.
  • CASH PRIZES for the winners.

The following awards will be presented the night of the festival:

Best Directing

Best Narration

Best Cinematography

Best Editing

Jurors’ Choice Award

Viewers’ Choice Award

PREVIOUS WINNERS INCLUDE STUDENTS FROM:

Benito Juarez High School/ Street Level Youth Media

Fenwick High School

Francis W. Parker School

Glenbrook North High School

Glenbrook South High School

Hinsdale Central High School

Lake Forest High School

Latin School of Chicago

New Trier Township High School

Palatine High School

St. Ignatius College Prep

and more…

*Students who serve on the screening panel may not submit films

NOT A FILMMAKER?

Come and be a part of the audience! This is a FREE event open to the public. To reserve your seat now, email us at  filmfestival@latinschool.org. Hurry, space is limited!

PAST JUDGES

Jonathan Miller (WBEZ Film Critic), Brenda Sexton (Illinois Film Office), Lee Shoquist and George Singleton (Reel Movie Critic), Albert Berger (Bona Fide Productions), Steven Conrad (Screenwriter) Lindsay Drucker (Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy), Greg Jacobs (Siskel/Jacobs Productions), Adam Kempenaar (Filmspotting), Killian Heilsberg (Tribeca Flashpoint Academy), Amy Rising (Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy), Jim Williams (news anchor for WBBM-TV), Ben Hollis (Original host and co-creator/co-producer Wild Chicago) Joe Steiff (Senior Associate Chair, Film & Video, Columbia College Chicago), Matty Robinson (Filmspotting), Rashid Ghazi (North Shore Films and Producer “Fordson”)